Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.Bc4
Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.Bc4
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.Bc4 is a side-line of the Scandinavian Defence (ECO code B01) in which Black first attacks the d5-pawn with the knight instead of recapturing it immediately, and White replies by developing the king’s-bishop to the active c4-square. It is sometimes referred to in older literature as the Mieses–Kotrc or simply the Bc4-Variation of the 2…Nf6 Scandinavian.
How the Line Arises
- 1.e4 d5 – Black contests the centre immediately.
- 2.exd5 – White accepts the pawn and opens the e-file.
- …Nf6 – Instead of 2…Qxd5, Black develops a piece and attacks d5.
- 3.Bc4 – White keeps the extra pawn (for the moment), develops quickly, and eyes the sensitive f7-square.
Main Ideas
- For White
- Complete rapid development: Nc3, Nf3, d4, 0-0 are typical.
- Pressure on f7: moves such as Qf3, d6+ or even Bxf7+ can appear in tactics.
- Hold or return the d5-pawn on favourable terms; if Black spends too much time regaining it, White may obtain a lead in development.
- For Black
- Regain the pawn with …Nxd5 or …Qxd5 at the right moment.
- Counter-attack the bishop by …Nb6, …Bg4 (Portuguese-style), or …c6 followed by …cxd5.
- Exploit the fact that the bishop can become a tactical target after …Nxd5 hitting c4.
Typical Continuations
Several branching points occur immediately:
-
3…Nxd5 4.Nf3 Nb6 5.Bb3
The most straightforward route: Black simply regains the pawn and kicks the bishop. The resulting position resembles an Italian Game with colours reversed. -
3…Bg4!? (The “Portuguese set-up”)
Black ignores the pawn, pins the knight that would defend d5, and prepares …Nxd5 with added pressure. After 4.f3 Bf5 5.Nc3, dynamic play ensues. -
3…c6 4.dxc6 Nxc6
The pawn is traded on c6, giving Black rapid development and open lines for the bishops.
Strategic and Historical Significance
Although far less popular than the main lines 3.d4 or 3.Nf3, the bishop-development move has been adopted by surprise-weapon enthusiasts and rapid-play specialists because:
- It side-steps vast amounts of opening theory associated with 3.d4.
- It invites Black to go wrong by over-eagerly chasing the d-pawn.
- The resulting structures often transpose into reverse-Italian positions that a 1.e4-player already knows well.
Historically, the variation was tested in the 19th century by Jacques Mieses and others, but never achieved mainstream status. Its most visible modern outing was in fast-time-control events: for example, Magnus Carlsen used it in an online blitz game (Chess.com “Banter Blitz,” 2020) to score a quick win after a tactical shot on f7.
Illustrative Game
The following miniature shows typical motifs:
Notes: 6…Nbd7 (instead of the more common 6…Nbxd5) allows White to keep an extra pawn and a lead in development; the later sacrifice on f7 opened lines against the uncastled king.
Practical Tips
- If you play it as White, be ready to give the pawn back with d4-d5 or Bxd5 whenever Black’s pieces look too active.
- Black players should know at least one reliable plan (…Nxd5 …Nb6, or …c6) to neutralise the bishop while finishing development.
- Know your tactics:
- Typical White ideas: Bxf7+; d6+; Qf3 hitting f7 and b7.
- Typical Black tricks: …Bg4 pin; …Nb6 chasing the bishop and hitting d5; …Qxd5 with a fork on g2.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line has been nicknamed “The Mosquito” in club circles because the bishop on c4 keeps “buzzing” around f7 until Black finally swats it away with …Nb6.
- One of the earliest published games was Mieses – Tarrasch, Leipzig 1888, which reached the position after 3.Bc4 but Tarrasch erred with 3…c6?! and was battered on the dark squares.
- In the era of computer prep, engines give the position after 3.Bc4 a roughly equal evaluation (≈0.00), confirming that while sound, it is no more than a sideline.